Featured School
The English School – Kuwait : confidence , empathy , integrity & respect
Kuwait may not be as well known by teaching professionals looking to work abroad as other parts of the Middle East region . However , teachers in schools in Kuwait often stay for many years , and a good number return after stints in other schools around the globe . There is just something quite magical and magnetic about the country .
One particular gem in Kuwait is The English School ( TES ), which was established in 1953 . The school has been transforming the lives of students for the past 63 years .
The Headmaster , Kieron Peacock , is a member of The Independent Association of Prep Schools ( IAPS ) and boasts an extensive career in education .
Under his leadership , TES remains a prominent and outstanding school , which currently has 620 pupils , 45 British qualified teaching staff , 5 Arabic teachers , 2 swimming coaches , 17 learning support assistants and another 30 + administration , security and maintenance staff – who all , together with an excellent PA and parent body , gel together in creating a strong sense of family throughout the whole school community .
“ At TES , our teachers average 5 years of service and so many will obviously do more than that . A significant number of the wider team have been at the school for well over a decade ,” stated Headmaster Kieron . The school recruits high quality , ambitious and talented teaching staff with the aim to deliver the very best standards and to keep abreast of the changes in education .
When asked about the recruitment process and securing the best staff , he shared the following :
1 . Early advertising and recruitment are pivotal to the continued successful employment of high quality teachers . When teachers return after the winter break in January they must either sign their contract and commit to another academic year or tender their resignation .
2 . This early ‘ notice ’ then allows the Headmaster to advertise locally and internationally . The school ’ s reputation in Kuwait and the region ensures that there is real interest in any teaching vacancies .
3 . When you add into the mix applicants from further afield and the UK , often from fellow IAPS schools , the current recruitment strategies are undoubtedly working effectively .
A top recruitment tip from Headmaster Kieron and mindset has to be , ‘ When you lose a great teacher , go out and employ an even better one !’
A proud not for profit school , TES ’ business model has allowed a gradual increase in staffing over the last few years and further investment in facilities . Of note , in June 2017 , the school ’ s next building project will commence on a state of the art science and technology centre , facilitated by the school ’ s incredibly supportive and generous Kuwaiti Sponsor .
“ We follow the UK prep school model catering for pupils from 2 ½ to 13 years of age ,” continues Headmaster Kieron , “ rather uniquely in the region almost 50 % of the school ’ s pupils are British with almost 75 % being native English speakers . The English National Curriculum and Early Years and Foundation Stage Framework are our school ’ s academic anchor , and places are highly sought after .”
It is not surprising , that in schools such as TES , academic success and excellence are almost a given . Academic rigour sets the stage for the work that is done throughout the school . In their recent inspection
28 | Nov - Dec 2016 | | Class Time